Speciation genomics of Yucatán pupfishes

I am using whole genome sequencing in combination with functional genetics to provide insight into the speciation process and trophic specialization in an adaptive radiation of Cyprinodon pupfishes endemic to Lake Chichancanab, Mexico. I have identified 55 candidate genes under selection with highly differentiated SNPs between the zooplankton specialist and the other species in the radiation. I am currently functionally validating some of these candidate loci and generating QTL crosses to map phenotypic traits (teeth, jaw, sperm) that have rapidly diverged in this young radiation.

Lake Chichancanab has unique water chemistry, so I am also studying the genetics underlying local adaptation to this unique environment. Becuase pupfish have external fertilization, I am looking at local adaptation of eggs and sperm. Preliminary data suggests local adaptation of sperm performance as well as differences in sperm and egg morphology. I am currently generating QTL crosses to map these traits.